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We just got done with our first set of B8.5 “OEM” carbon fiber trim. We say “OEM” in quotes because its done with an 8HS fabric to match the OEM Carbon Atlas trim.

I’ve documented the entire process of how we manufacture these, from start to finish. Hopefully after checking out this blog post, you can get an appreciation of how much work goes into these.

It started a few months ago when we got a huge shipment of cores in direct from Germany. Along with many sets of trim, we got in 4 sets of B8.5 vent and MMI cores (and a few B8 vent and MMI cores too).

Here you can see the B8 vent and MMI (on top) compared with the refresh B8.5 vent and MMI core.

First step is to disassemble the actual vent and the MMI housing. This leaves us with just the part that will get wrapped in carbon fiber.

Next we tape off the tabs on all the vent. And then we wrap the full piece in super high tech protective film (Glad Cling Wrap).

A couple of more layers of foam are added until the part is completely covered.

After a few hours, the foam is hard and can be removed from the mold.

When you flip the part over, you can see the part just barely poking through.

A few days later, the foam is hard enough to start carving and sanding.

First step now is to take a small chisel and start to cut away foam from the part.

Slowly but surely, the part becomes more and more visible as we chip away at the foam with the chisel.

After a while, the full part is showing and we can start to use sandpaper to smooth out the mold.

Once the mold is completed, we prep the original part by scuffing it up. This gives the bonding epoxy we’re going to apply to it something to hold onto. Once the bonding epoxy is on, we can lay the fabric down.

The original part is placed back in the mold after the bonding epoxy is applied. The fabric gets laid down and a few strategic holes are sliced into it to help it wrap around some complex contours.

The whole setup goes into a vacuum bag, and a vacuum pump is switched on. The vacuum pump sucks all the air out of the bag, which compresses the fabric tight against the mold.

A few close up shots of the mold inside the vacuum bag while the pump is running.

A few hours with the pump running, and the mold is ready to come out of the bag. You can see how the fabric is perfectly formed against the original part.

The fabric has made it around the edges because of our strategic slits in the fabric earlier.

After the parts come off the mold, its time to start adding epoxy. Multiple layers are added to give the part depth.

Some close ups of two vent and MMI pieces. The top one is done in an OEM S4 fabric (8HS) and the bottom one is done in an OEM RS4 fabric (2×2 twill).

Made these for an RS5 owner, but I’m pretty sure they will fit quite a few B8 wheels. I’m really happy with how they turned out and can’t wait to see what they look like installed. You might remember some of our previous B8 center caps.

Starts off as a bare cap, wrapped in carbon. Having to drill out the holes for the chrome bits was pretty time consuming.

The chrome around the edge snaps into place and the rings are glued in from behind.

It is only the second A3 set we’ve ever made, and it just happens to be made out of red carbon/kevlar. We’re also doing the A frames that surround the shifter, but those are going to take a bit longer.

These sets just need to be polished and could be shipped out the day after payment has been made. Good opportunity to get a set that is ready to go without the normal 3-4 week lead time.

These sets were done in an upgraded 20oz 2×2 twill fabric (the same fabric that is found in the OEM RS4 carbon fiber trim). This upgraded fabric is normally $100 extra, but I’ll sell these two sets at the regular price.

Email me at matt@ocarbon.com if you’re interested in picking this up or if you have any questions.

Price: $600

Shipping: Free

Core deposit: $300 – this is refundable. Once you install the carbon fiber trim, you can return your original trim back to us and the $300 will be refunded in full.

Straight up trade, you send me your wood set and when I get it I ship out the aluminum set to you the same day. You pay for shipping your set to me, I pay for shipping my set to you. Read the post below, check out some of the pictures, and if you’re interested, shoot me an email at matt@ocarbon.com and I’ll get you set up.

I’ve got two of these aluminum sets I need to trade for wood sets. Both of them have a manual shifter. These sets aren’t in the best shape, they have a few scratches and a few nicks, but they’re perfect candidates for the DIY brushed aluminum modification.

2) As long as your wood set has all the correct pieces and none of the tabs are broken, I’ll take it. I don’t care how scratched up it is, how ugly it looks, if its painted, or if it’s wrapped in some ugly fake vinyl. As long as its wood, and nothing is missing or broken, we’ll be good to go.

3) Don’t waste my time. I’ve had problems with people setting up trades and then not following through.

Notes – The front ashtray tab fell out, I’ll included a new one. You’ll have to re-glue it on. There is also a bit of fabric under the Quattro badge. The rear ashtray is just the cover, you’ll have to keep your tub. You’ll also have to keep your chrome ring on your shifter and transfer it to this set.

Set 2 pictures:

Notes: Is in a little bit better shape than set 1. It does have mismatched plastic endcaps though (one is tan, one is black. Very odd). You can probably plastidip them both to get them to match. You will have to keep the chrome ring on your shifter and transfer it to this set.

If you’re interested in upgrading your wood set to an aluminum one, email me at matt@ocarbon.com.